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Auvergne, where to start?


Sam
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My husband and I have decided to move to the Auvergne next Spring. We are outdoor rural people and don't mind the rain (but this year's miserable English summer was going TOO far!) and we are looking for warm summers and guaranteed snow in winter. We are drawn towards the Livradois-Forez, eastern Cantal and maybe Haute Loire so far - could anyone advise if those areas would suit us weather-wise? Many thanks!
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Normally the Livradois Forez has exactly the weather you are looking for - with spectacular Autumns thrown in ! ( Spring can be wet and miserable but can also vary from 32 degrees and sunny to 6" of snow in the space of two days.) This year however we had an English summer - but that's very unusual. We are in Puy de Dome near Ambert and it's about as rural and unspoilt as you get !
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Hi Sam

We are in Puy-de-dome, within the volcano national park and about 25 minutes from the ski resorts of Super Besse and Le Mont Dore.

The weather is usually very seasonal - snow in winter (the winters can be pretty cold) and hot sun in summer. Two years ago the early season snow was better for skiing here than in most of the Alps. In summer, the walking, sailing and cycling are also excellent.

The best thing however is the complete peace and tranquility!

 

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[quote user="Sam"]My husband and I have decided to move to the Auvergne next Spring. We are outdoor rural people and don't mind the rain (but this year's miserable English summer was going TOO far!) and we are looking for warm summers and guaranteed snow in winter. We are drawn towards the Livradois-Forez, eastern Cantal and maybe Haute Loire so far - could anyone advise if those areas would suit us weather-wise? Many thanks![/quote]

In many parts of the Haute-Loire you can expect rainy summers (the past 2 Augusts, for example) and little or no snow in the winter.  You need to check out specific areas carefully as there are a lot of  "micro-climates" in that department.

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Thank you Wizzer! The more we're hearing the more we know we're making the right decision in moving to the Auvergne. But where to settle, this is the question! A few trips to narrow down the area are needed. But peace & quiet and a rural outlook are all that are needed (along with some snow.....)
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We took the dog for a walk near le Mont Dore last Thursday, and on top of le Capucin there was about 8cm of fresh snow - even better was that we were the only people there - didn't see anyone else for hours!

Hopefully we will get a good ski season this winter.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
You've picked the right area. We lived between Brioude and La Chaise

Dieu in a hamlet on top of a hill for 3 years. Great views across

towards Cantal, an hour from skiing, fabulous scenery and really cool

neighbours. And wild mushrooms practically growing in the garden.

Totally off the beaten track. We came back to the UK a couple of years

ago and miss it loads. Our new baby means holidays back to the house

will be out for a while but the whole area is really special. Good luck!

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Thanks Peter

We are off to France tonight and

signing for the house on Friday.So excited

cannot believe we have actually done it.

We skied at Super Besse and Mont Dore two years ago

and it was frightening (blizzards etc) but determined to

try again. We have a wonderful view of the mountains from

our little village and just looking forward to chilling out for a

while. Hope you are able to return to France soon.

Cheers Sybil

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  • 2 weeks later...
Hi Lavorgere, we have had a recce visit and fallen in love with the Livradois-Forez rear Ambert. We are expecting to come out again in a couple of weeks and put in an offer on a place that ticks all the boxes. Thanks!
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Hi Tenniswitch, Thanks for your reply. We have been out and narrowed down the search to the Livradois-Forez which seems to tick all our boxes! Apart from some of the towns the whole Auvergne region is gorgeous though, spoilt for choice!
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  • 2 weeks later...

[quote user="Sam"]Hi Tenniswitch, Thanks for your reply. We have been out and narrowed down the search to the Livradois-Forez which seems to tick all our boxes! Apart from some of the towns the whole Auvergne region is gorgeous though, spoilt for choice![/quote]

Which towns/hamlets are you considering?

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